Saturday, April 14, 2012

As readers, at some point in our lives, we are asked the question: Why do you read so much? Maybe you have an answer ready, perhaps it's just a feeling that you get when you pick up a good book, or it's an escape from real life--that's what reading is for me. I lose myself in books, captivated by worlds that are often times more interesting, (or at least more encouraging,) than the one we live in now. But what if you didn't have that opportunity? What if books weren't easy to come by? What if there wasn't internet, or libraries, or Kindles, or bookstores?

What if you didn't have access to books? Not because you couldn't read them, but because they just weren't available?

Enter GoneReading. Brad Wirz has a vision. While volunteering in Central America in 2010, Wirz encountered "Hundreds of villages, thousands of people, had basically no access to books or reading material at all." When he came home, he started his research. Shortly after, GoneReading LLC was born.

GoneReading's mission statement is one that readers and writers alike can get behind. Wirz wants to share books with the world--and who doesn't love books?

“We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to better themselves through the open pursuit of the dreams and ideals of their choosing. We envision a world where such opportunity exists for everyone, regardless of their country of origin or locale. Our mission is to bring the world closer to this vision by helping to ensure that everyone has open access to the reading materials they want and need. We accomplish this mission by providing new funds for libraries around the world.”

100% of GoneReading's after tax profit is donated to fund new libraries around the world, including right here in the United States. And let's face it, we could all use the escape of a good book right now.

So while this is a contest (and there are FABULOUS prizes!!!), I encourage you to check out GoneReading and support their mission. Getting free stuff is awesome, helping build libraries is better. GoneReading has reading related products available to purchase--something for every reader in your life. Plus you can feel good about your buys, since the proceeds will help the world read.

AND NOW FOR THE CONTEST!!

First Prize: $25 of merchandise from GoneReading.

Second Prize:Books to Check Out Journal from GoneReading. (Click Here)

There are several ways to enter. The contest will be open from Saturday, April 14 until midnight on Sunday, April 29.

The Skinny

I am an unagented YA author. That's the long and short story. Writing is my passion (along with a million other things. Writing's just the one thing that's not successful. Yet.) I'm married with a 4 year old son. I coach winterguard. I love dance AND dancing. I'm into art, long walks, and music. No, this is not an e-Harmony account. :) "Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark."